SBM Rolls Out Modest Means Pilot Program
The State Bar of Michigan is implementing a new Modest Means program that will operate through the SBM Lawyer Referral Service pilot program. The new program is aimed at bridging the access to justice gap for the “missing middle” people who don’t qualify for legal aid but cannot afford the market rate for legal services. Those in households with income less than 200% of the federal poverty level are eligible for services in the program. Members who sign up to provide legal services as a Modest Means panel member will have their legal services count toward the State Bar’s Voluntary Pro Bono Standard and be exempted from the usual 10% remittance fee to the Lawyer Referral Service. If you’d like to sign up to be a Modest Means panel member, use this form to do so. Practice areas for the initial rollout are limited to domestic/family law and bankruptcy, but other practice areas will be added as the Modest Means panel expands.
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PMRC Launches Tech Competency Resource Page
The SBM Practice Management Resource Center has launched a Technology Competency resource page, filled with information and tools to help you boost your technology quotient. The PMRC is also launching a new member benefit: access to an online tech competency assessment and learning resource called Legal Technology Assessment. As an SBM member, you receive a deep discount of 40% off the regular price. Sign up for Legal Technology Assessment today.

Get a Discount on ABA TECHSHOW
As a member of the State Bar of Michigan, you get a special $150 discount if you register for 2018 ABA TECHSHOW, which will take place March 7-10 at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago. Register online using the discount code EP1812.

Order 2018 April Alphabetical & Resource Directories Now
Looking for a member of the State Bar of Michigan? The SBM online member directory contains the most up-to-date contact information. In addition, a portable April Resource Directory containing comprehensive court, state, and local government and lawyer association contact information is available online and will be sent to you if you have opted in to receive a print edition of the Michigan Bar Journal April issue. You can order extra copies of the resource directory for $10.

If you prefer to receive a member list in print, we offer the April Resource Directory Plus Alphabetical Member Roster, which includes all the information found in the April Resource Directory plus a complete listing of all members of the State Bar of Michigan. Place your order by March 15 to purchase a printed copy of the April Resource Directory Plus Alphabetical Member Roster for $35.

Submit Nominations for 2018 SBM Awards
Nominations are now open for the awards that will be presented at the September 2018 NEXT Conference in Grand Rapids. Awards due by 5 p.m. February 16:

• Roberts P. Hudson Award
• Frank J. Kelley Distinguished Public Service Award
• Champion of Justice Award
• Kimberly M. Cahill Bar Leadership Award
• John W. Cummiskey Pro Bono Award
• John W. Reed Michigan Lawyer Legacy Award

The State Bar of Michigan Representative Assembly Michael Franck Award and Unsung Hero Award nomination deadline is March 10.

The Liberty Bell Award deadline is Friday, May 11.

Submit a Nomination

Events

Upper Michigan Legal Institute—Save the Date
June 8–9, 2018 • Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island
You won't want to miss this opportunity to get the latest developments in case law, invaluable technology, and practice management tips, all while enjoying the ambiance of the historic Grand Hotel on beautiful Mackinac Island. Make sure to mark your calendar!

NEXT Conference 2018—Save the Date
September 26–28, 2018
DeVos Place, Grand Rapids

The 2018 NEXT Conference, formerly known as the Annual Meeting/Solo & Small Firm Institute, will be held September 26–28 at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids. The NEXT Conference will be focused on the future of the practice of law, giving you the opportunity to share ideas and more opportunities to network and tailor your programing schedule to meet your needs and interests.

Free e-Publications
The State Bar offers six electronic publications delivered to your email inbox at no cost.

e-Journal provides daily summaries of opinions released from the Michigan Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court, and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. Subscribe Online

NewsLinks provides a daily summary of law-related news articles, editorials, and columns carried in major local, state, and national media. Subscribe Online

Public Policy Update is a weekly journal highlighting public policy issues of interest to the profession. Subscribe Online

Receive Practice Management updates sent directly to your inbox with tips and tools from the Practice Management Resource Center. Subscribe Online

January Bar Journal—Elder Law & Disability Rights
Digital Version (ideal for tablets, smartphones, and e-readers)

Online Version (PDFs)